Robinwood Lane Elementary School students and staff showed their support for breast cancer awareness during the school’s recent Think Pink Day. Students and staff stood in solidarity by wearing pink to raise money and awareness Oct. 19.

The event was particularly special for the school’s art teacher, Susan Farkas, who is a breast cancer survivor. She also coordinated the event and was excited to see all the participation.

“I’m a breast cancer survivor 2 to 5 years out. It’s personal for me. There’s so much breast cancer in this area and I’m sure it’s going to touch students’ lives in some way, so I just want the kids to be aware of cancer around them. It was a struggle for me to go through and a lot of the older kids saw me go through it,” said Farkas.

“This school is like a family to me — they were there for me every step of the way. I couldn’t have made it without them. They were amazing. Even when I was sick, I still tried to come to school to get me through and these kids come to school with smiles on their faces and that made me feel better.”

Students sold pink wrist bands and the proceeds will be used for the school’s Relay for Life team that will participate in May. Teachers also bought shirts and donated the money to Joanie’s Promise, which is a local charity.

Though the event was bittersweet for Farkas, she is proud to be a survivor and hopes to inspire others.

“This month is bittersweet for a survivor. It makes you feel proud, but it also reminds you of your struggle. I do feel proud to be the face of the disease because it shows people that you can survive. I’d encourage others with the disease to be strong and stay positive. Having a positive attitude can help you get through,” Farkas said.